Govt collects MVR 101 mil in zakat-al-mal in 2024, highest ever

According to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, government collected the highest amount of zakat-al-mal in 2024.

Zakat-al-mal, is the other obligatory charity in Islam which is also known as zakat on assets, which involves giving a portion of one’s wealth to those less fortunate.

Statistics from the ministry showed that the government received MVR 101,939,71.15 in zakat-al-mal last year.

In a statement, the ministry said that the Maldives Zakat House established by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on December 18, 2023 was a crucial step towards improving the zakat system in the country.

The Zakat House held various public awareness programs throughout last year towards the importance of zakat, the ministry said in the statement.

“As a result, the statistics from Maldives Inland Revenue Authority showed the increase of diligence by Maldivian public towards zakat,” the statement read.

The ministry further noted that last year’s zakat-al-mal collection is the highest ever in the history of the Maldives, and added the funds received through zakat are utilized in accordance with the Shari’ah and legal principles, and directed towards individuals most deserving of it.